Metallurgy and forest landscapes from the Gallo-Roman to the Modern Period in Périgord-Limousin (France)

The results of charcoal analysis from a Roman bloomery and 14 modern charcoal kilns are presented in this article. Charcoal samples were collected in the area known as Châtaigneraie Limousine, in Perigord-Limousin (France). These results show that the chestnut was already used for metallurgical activities during the Roman period. Nevertheless, its use would have been more important as coppicing species during the Modern period for the production of charcoal. Some forests situated at the flat areas of the hills would have been transformed to mono-specific chestnut woodlands during this period. This intensive exploitation of the woodlands however would not have changed all the landscapes. On the valley slopes, the presence of the oak would have been very important together with the chestnut. At hilltops, the ancient vegetation would have been conserved with the presence of the beech. Although the use of the forest was intensive and constant, preservation of these formations has been observed from the 15th century until nowadays.